Getty Center to Close in 2027 for Major Renovations Ahead of Los Angeles Olympics

09 April 2026

The Getty Center in Los Angeles is set to close its doors in 2027 as part of a large scale renovation project aimed at modernizing the iconic museum before the 2028 Olympic Games. The closure will begin on March 15, 2027, and is expected to last for about a year, marking the most significant upgrade to the campus since it first opened in 1997.

The decision comes as Los Angeles prepares for a surge in global visitors during the Olympics, with cultural institutions across the city working to improve infrastructure and visitor experience. Officials have emphasized that the renovations are designed not only to handle increased tourism but also to enhance long term accessibility and sustainability for future generations.

Planned upgrades include redesigned gallery spaces that will offer new ways for visitors to interact with art, along with improvements that better integrate the museum’s architecture with its surrounding natural environment. These changes are intended to create a more immersive and engaging experience while maintaining the Getty’s reputation as one of the most visually striking museums in the world.

In addition to artistic and spatial enhancements, the renovation will address practical aspects of the visitor experience, including improvements to the tram system that transports guests up the hill to the museum. The Welcome Hall will also be reimagined, featuring updated amenities such as a new café, bookstore, and improved navigation throughout the campus.

The project will also focus heavily on infrastructure upgrades, including better Wi Fi and cell service, as well as improvements to heating and cooling systems to support both visitor comfort and the preservation of artwork. These technical enhancements reflect a broader effort to align the museum with modern standards of efficiency and environmental responsibility.

While the Getty Center itself will be closed, the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades will remain open during the renovation period, continuing to host exhibitions and public programs. Some artworks from the main collection will also be temporarily displayed there, ensuring that visitors can still engage with key pieces during the closure.

To maintain its presence in the city, the Getty plans to open a separate programming space nearby that will host events and activities throughout the renovation period. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to stay connected with the public and continue supporting the arts community even while the main campus is inaccessible.

The museum is expected to reopen in spring 2028, just in time for the Olympic Games, with a renewed focus on accessibility, innovation, and visitor engagement. The closure represents a temporary pause for one of Los Angeles’s most important cultural landmarks, but it also signals a major investment in its future as the city prepares for a global spotlight.